The Veteran's claim to reopen the PTSD service connection is granted. The claim for an increased rating of his lumbar strain, degenerative disc disease, and degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine is denied as it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The evidence received since the last denial shows new and material evidence relating to PTSD service connection. However, the Veteran's low back disorder does not meet or approximate the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent under any applicable diagnostic code.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Lumbar Strain, Degenerative Disc Disease, and Degenerative Joint Disease
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- March 8, 2010
- Citation
- 1008425
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 1008425.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied an initial disability rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD, finding the appellant's symptoms did not more closely approximate occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
- Granted
The Board granted a disability rating of 70 percent for PTSD and a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.
- Granted
The Board granted an effective date of February 21, 2007, for the award of service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder with anxious distress.
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